§ 5. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many caravan sites there are in southwest Essex and in the north-eastern quarter of Greater London; whether they are all full; and what steps he is taking to help local authorities get rid of caravans permanently parked on the grass verges of trunk roads in Redbridge.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)The Department has no record of private sites. One London borough council in this area has established a residential caravan site, and I understand that it is full. We have asked local authorities to provide sites and in the case of London boroughs reports are expected by 1st March.
§ Mr. IremongerWould the hon. Gentleman try to do something to see that the boroughs act in this case? I am afraid it may be a case of each one thinking that it is the other one's business. This is really a case where his Department might bring its influence to bear.
§ Mr. MacCollThat is precisely the point of the circular, to enable us to see 1326 which local authorities need encouragement to do more.
§ Mr. John WellsWould the Minister give the House an assurance that this survey is affecting all local authorities which have caravan problems within, say, a 50-mile radius of London?
§ Mr. MacCollThe survey is covering all local authorities who are involved in the problem.